News  Agriculture  Livestock

CattleCon 2026: Mary-Thomas Hart — Cattle, Water Management, and Environmental Policy

NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart breaks down CAFO permits, EPA enforcement, and what cattle producers need to know as rules continue to evolve.

February 09, 2026 12:21 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Waters of the U.S. and cattle regulation are back in the spotlight at the CattleCon 2026.

RFD NEWS’ own Tony St. James caught up with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart to discuss how she advocates and represents the interests of U.S. cattle producers on issues such as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and voluntary conservation programs.

In her interview with RFD NEWS, Hart breaks down CAFO permits, EPA enforcement, and what producers need to know as rules continue to evolve.

Related Stories: CattleCon 2026
CdVgHB0r.jpg
National FFA Organization
Lauderdale County FFA String Band to Perform at CattleCon 2026
February 02, 2026 02:50 PM
FS-Cattle-Con-Meet-News-Team_20260130a_1920x1080.jpg
Meet & Greet with RFD-TV Talent at NCBA’s CattleCon 2026
Tuesday, 2/3, 4-6 PM CT, Booth #606.
January 28, 2026 03:44 PM
Load More

CattleCon 2026 Land & Water Management Cattle Environmental Law WOTUS Women In Ag
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Aerial view of a container ship in export and import business and logistics. Shipping cargo to the harbor by crane. Photo by MAGNIFIER via Adobe Stock.
Trade
WASDE, Geopolitical Tensions, and Export Demand Shape Mixed Outlook for U.S. Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets.
April 10, 2026 02:27 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
8HkqLx0I.jpg
Business
Dairy Does More: Checkoff Launches New Campaign Highlighting Dairy Nutrition — With a Splash of Humor
Aris Georgiadis with Dairy Management Inc. joined us to discuss the “Dairy Does More” campaign and how it is working to boost demand for dairy.
April 10, 2026 02:10 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
TcU5W6cb.jpg
Weather News
Is a ‘Godzilla El Niño’ Coming? Ag Meteorologist Warns of Big Weather Ahead...Whatever You Call It.
While social media has labeled the possible event a “Godzilla El Niño,” experts say the intensity remains uncertain—but the signal for a stronger pattern is there.
April 10, 2026 01:47 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
mOsq0GvS.jpg
Rural Money
Rising Fuel Costs Hit Rural America Hardest as Beef Demand Comes Into Focus
Rising diesel and energy costs are squeezing farmers and rural communities, increasing production expenses and raising concerns about consumer demand for beef even as U.S. meat exports regain the Australian market.
April 10, 2026 01:23 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
yKWPAdYf.jpg
Agriculture
#Plant26: Weather Conditions and Input Costs Pressure Kansas Farmers at Planting Time
Farmer John Jenkinson shares the latest on planting conditions in Kansas and what producers are facing this season.
April 10, 2026 12:48 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
fg60uUxu.jpg
Trade
Ceasefire Holds, But Disruptions Keep Pressure on Agriculture as Input Costs Continue to Outpace Inflation
Rising input costs may squeeze margins and shift planting decisions. Scott Metzger with the American Soybean Association discusses fertilizer market pressures and what is at stake for farmers as planting season ramps up.
April 10, 2026 12:18 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More
Agriculture Shows
21411522-g.jpg
21411516-g.jpg
how farms work the new crop 21411459-g.jpg
learn to grow misilla the new crop header image 21411458-g.jpg
Stoney Ridge Farmer
A few years ago, the Stoney Ridge Farmer moved from a 1/3-acre lot in the city to a 150-acre farm nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Sonne Farms
Cole Sonne is a fourth-generation farmer living in Southeastern South Dakota. His family farm raises Black Angus bulls and grows alfalfa, grass, hay, corn, and soybeans. Cole says, “I make these videos for your entertainment (and for my own, as well)!”
How Farms Work
How Farms Work is a family-friendly YouTube channel that showcases beef and crop farms located in Southwestern Wisconsin. Equipment operation, techniques, and farming strategies are all first-hand accounts given by Ryan, an Agriculture Business major whose family runs these farms.
Learn to Grow
Misilla is the host of Learn to Grow and The Crafty Mom on YouTube. A Pacific Northwest mother of four who is passionate about organic gardening, sustainable living, homesteading, and education, her videos and social media posts consist of gardening, outdoor recreation, healthy living, crafts, science experiments, DIY projects, and delicious recipes.